Welcome
Welcome to the home of the Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Young Adult League! YAL is the ministry group that serves the Orthodox Christian college student, young professional and young adult communities (ages 18-40) of the Washington, DC, area. YAL is a wonderful opportunity for those who want to get more involved with our Orthodox faith based on YAL’s four pillars of Worship, Witness, Service, and Fellowship.
Our Mission
The mission of the Greek Orthodox Young Adult League is to cultivate and educate our young adults (ages 18 and up), leading them to the fullness of the Faith and likeness of God. By utilizing the four circles of Christian living – Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship, young adults are integrated into the life of the Church, enabling them to become active members of the body of Christ.
We are here to serve Saint Sophia, the Orthodox community, and provide a welcoming, fun and loving group for all to enjoy. Whether you are new to the DC area or have been a long-time resident, come join us! We look forward to seeing you at our events!
How to Join
We have a very large and active group! Members are between the ages of 18-40, live in the DC metro area, are Greek and/or Orthodox, or are spiritually curious! YAL allows young adults to connect with other Orthodox groups in the area, nurtures spiritual growth, and provides an outlet for those wanting to serve their Church and local community. If you’d like to join, or are interested in learning more about YAL activities, please refer below:
1.) Visit our Webpage at http://saintsophiayal.org/
2.) Good Standing with Saint Sophia Cathedral (YAL STEWARDSHIP)
3.) Email us at SaintSophiaYAL@gmail.com
4.) Join our Facebook group page (YAL Facebook)
FAQ
How old do I have to be to participate in YAL events?
Generally, we are looking at the age range of 18-40, but people who are young at heart are also welcome.
Do I have to be personally invited by someone to join?
No! Check out our events calendar and let us know you are joining us by emailing saintsophiayal@gmail.com so we can be sure to say hello!
Can I be non-orthodox or not a Christian and still join?
Absolutely! Saint Sophia YAL invites people from all walks of life to join us in fellowship.
Do I have to be Greek?
See above! We are happy to have everyone join us regardless of ethnic background.
for more questions email saintsophiayal@gmail.com
Meet your YAL Board!
CLERGY ADVISORS
FATHER STEVEN ZORZOS AND DEACON GABRIEL GALIFIANAKIS
Father Steve is the Presiding Priest of Saint Sophia Cathedral and Father Panayiotis is the Assistant Priest.
THE BOARD
CALLIE KAMBANIS
A Saint Sophia native, Callie is excited to support YAL as President. She enjoys meeting new people, trying new happy hours and binge watching Netflix. On Sundays, you can find her chanting with Saint Sophia’s Byzantine choir. She works in the Eastern Market area as a Regulatory Consultant to the food industry.
Outreach & Communications
STAMI WILLIAMS
Originally from metro Atlanta, Stami works for a political fundraising committee after six years on Capitol Hill. Stami holds a B.S. in Communication from Kennesaw State University and an M.P.S. in Political Management from The George Washington University.
Service Committee
HOPE LOPRESTI POULAKOS
Hope was born and raised on the Jersey Shore. She moved to the DC area where she attended college at the Catholic University of America. Hope is currently an oncology nurse in Virginia and is also studying to achieve her master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner at George Washington University.
RENEE KLERIS
MARIA THOMAS
JOSEPH GALIANO
WILLIAM POULAKOS
Fellowship
NOELLE WRIGHT
Noelle moved to the DC are from Georgia in 2014. She is the Events and Community Director at local Georgetown bakery Baked & Wired, and serves as a part time program manager for the Orthodox Christian Network (OCN).
